Background:
McKenzie Maxson is the director of communications and marketing at Bellwether on the External Relations team.
McKenzie has more than eight years of experience developing communication strategies for education policy and advocacy work that support student success.
Prior to Bellwether, she spent several years in the U.S. Department of Education, primarily within the office of Federal Student Aid, leading communications efforts for programs and products that serve students and federal student loan borrowers across the country. McKenzie brings a deep understanding of the federal education policies that shape our education system to her work at Bellwether.
She previously served as press secretary at The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank, supporting policy and advocacy work focused on achieving economic, racial, and gender equity for all. McKenzie began her career at the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, working directly with college and university leaders to increase opportunity in higher education for students from all economic backgrounds.
McKenzie holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University. Originally from Kentucky, McKenzie now lives in Maryland with her husband and dog.
Why I do this work:
I grew up in a family of public educators who taught me about both the value of an excellent education and the many systemic barriers some students face in our education system. I believe that every student should have access to a high-quality education, and that building an education system that truly serves all is the first step toward creating a more equitable and just society.
